I'm going to have a surgical LEEP, is there a chance I could have cancer?

Question

I just relistened to a messege from my doctor on my answering machine and he said that I had a high grade lecion(sp?) and that I need to schedual and appt. for an outpatient cervical leep with him. Has anyone had this done and it ended up being cancer? Also, I do plan on calling my doctor tomorrow. His office is closed now and I just want to be prepared.

Answer 1

Here is the description of the procedure and after effects. The lesion needs to be removed to SEE if it is cancerous or not. They grow very slowly so it won't change in the time before you can reach your MD.

Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) for abnormal cervical cell changes

Surgery Overview

The loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) uses a thin, low-voltage electrified wire loop to cut out abnormal tissue. LEEP can:

Cut away abnormal cervical tissue that can be seen during colposcopy.
Remove abnormal tissue high in the cervical canal that cannot be seen during colposcopy. In this situation, LEEP may be done instead of a cone biopsy. (For more information, see cone biopsy.)
LEEP is also known as large loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ).

A vinegar (acetic acid) or iodine solution, which makes abnormal cells more visible, may be applied to the cervix before the procedure is done.

How it is done
LEEP is usually done at your health professional's office, a clinic, or a hospital as an outpatient procedure (you do not have to spend a night in the hospital).

You will need to take off your clothes below the waist and drape a paper or cloth covering around your waist. You will then lie on your back on an examination table with your feet raised and supported by footrests (stirrups). Your health professional will insert an instrument with curved blades (speculum) into your vagina. The speculum gently spreads apart the vaginal walls, allowing the inside of the vagina and the cervix to be examined.

Medication is injected to numb the cervix (cervical block). If a cervical block is used, an oral pain medication or pain medication given into a vein (intravenous, or IV) may be used in addition to the local anesthetic.

What To Expect After Surgery

Most women are able to return to normal activities within 1 to 3 days after LEEP is performed. Recovery time depends on how much was done during the procedure.

After LEEP
Mild cramping may occur for several hours after the procedure.
A dark brown vaginal discharge during the first week is normal.
Vaginal discharge or spotting may occur for about 3 weeks.
Sanitary napkins should be used instead of tampons for about 3 weeks.
Sexual intercourse should be avoided for about 3 weeks.
Douching should not be done.